Lagos Environmentalists Unite for World Earth Day: Volunteer Movement
Dozens of volunteers assembled in Lagos on Saturday, April 20th, anticipating the 2024 World Earth Day. Led by SustyVibes, a local environmental advocacy group, these volunteers embarked on a mission to address the issue of plastic waste strewn across the streets and clogging the gutters by conducting a cleanup in a nearby market.
While World Earth Day is officially observed on April 22nd each year, the entire month is often called Earth Month, highlighting the ongoing need for environmental awareness and action.
Activist Sonia Ugwunna emphasized the importance of consistent environmental consciousness, stating, “We don’t have”to don’tfor designated days like World Earth Day to prioritize our environment. This planet is our only home, and it’s imperativit’sat we work together to ensure its sustainability for future generations.”
World Earth “ay reminds individuals, governments, businesses, and civil society to collaborate toward building a greener and more sustainable world. Ugwunna highlighted a common challenge, noting that the consequences of environmental neglect often go unnoticed until they reach a significant scale. She explained, “Many people seem indifferent towards environmental issues because the harmful effects are not always immediately tangible. We often only recognize the impact when it becomes widespread, such as the visible changes in climate patterns.”
During the S”turday event, volunteers were organized into teams with specific tasks, including advocacy, cleanup, and promoting recycling subscriptions. These teams dispersed to various communities to address environmental concerns at the grassroots level.
Trader Abiodun Ogunsanya stressed the importance of government intervention in waste management, suggesting that proactive measures such as increased environmental officer presence could help deter littering and enforce responsible waste disposal practices.
Nigeria, with an estimated annual plastic waste production exceeding 2 million tonnes, faces significant challenges in waste management due to inadequate infrastructure and a shortage of trained personnel, as noted by the West Africa Coastal Areas Management Program.
The collective efforts of volunteers and advocacy groups like SustyVibes underscore the importance of community-driven initiatives in tackling environmental issues and promoting sustainable practices. As the world commemorates World Earth Day, it serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing global responsibility to protect and preserve our planet for future generations.
